Quiz: Howstuffworks

Which Democratic Presidential Candidate Do You Actually Agree With The Most?

Raj Chander

Image: Wiki Commons by Office of Senator Kamala Harris

About This Quiz

While then-candidate Trump dominated the media in the run-up to the 2016 election, this time around, it's all about the Democrats. And there sure are a lot of them – analysts call this year's primary field one of the largest the party has ever seen.

At the first debate, the huge number of candidates receiving mainstream consideration was evident by the format alone. The normal debate format had to be spread over two nights to fit all the candidates who met NBC's polling threshold. Ten candidates took the stage on night one, followed by another 10 on night two. While there were some notable highlights, observers remarked how difficult it was to gather anything but an introduction from some of the lesser-known candidates.

Sure, the field will be smaller soon, but for now, it's interesting to think about the differences between all the candidates. There's Joe Biden, the classic favorite, who campaigns on a platform of moderate compromise. Sen. Bernie Sanders, who enjoyed breakout political success thanks to his feisty primary run against Hillary Clinton in 2016, is giving it another go in 2020. So are high-profile younger newcomers like Pete Buttigieg, Kamala Harris and Julian Castro. In recent months, Sen. Elizabeth Warren from Massachusetts has also broken out as a dark horse favorite.

Of course, when the rubber meets the road, you have to pick one of these candidates to pull for. Even if you don't vote in the primary, it's nice to have someone to support. Give us some insights on your political views and we'll identify the candidate you match up with most!

We'll begin with a central Democratic issue: How would you describe the threat of climate change to the world?

It's important, but not the most important issue we face.

It's one of our most pressing threats and we need to deal with it immediately.

It matters, but socioeconomic inequity matters more.

It's a danger that the world needs to work together to prevent.

Do you think the next Democratic president should be a woman?

Yes, preferably a woman of color.

I understand why people say that, but I don't agree.

Yes, it's time for a female president!

No, it should be whoever can do the job best.

It's possibly the most politically charged debate right now: What do you think should be done about the immigration crisis at the border?

We should pass laws to make the U.S. friendlier to immigrants, legal or not

We need to allow immigrants and support them with assistance.

We need to decriminalize the practice of illegally crossing the border.

We have to look at all options carefully, including strengthening the border.

What changes should be made to the current tax system?

We need to put new taxes on extremely rich households.

We need to make corporations pay their fair share.

We should keep them as low as possible.

We should provide breaks to public servants like teachers and police officers.

Do you agree with the idea of colleges offering free tuition?

Yes, and we need to give out even more subsidies.

No, I don't think it's realistic.

It deserves examining, but I'm not ready to commit yet.

Yes, it needs to happen.

Which of these states will be most important for the Democrats to win in the 2020 election?

Iowa

Massachusetts

Florida

California

What kind of political style do you think it will take to beat Trump in the 2020 election?

Someone who knows how to ask probing questions

Someone who can appeal to the working class

Someone measured yet passionate

Someone who can win over swing voters

Which type of skill is most important for a presidential candidate?

Compromise and negotiation

Understanding policy

Experience in lawmaking

Knowing the law

What do you think of one of the Democratic party's newest stars, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez?

She's great – we need more radical ideas like hers.

I don't always agree with everything she says, but I support her.

She's leading the party down a path that could be dangerous.

I am a huge fan!

What do you think should be the next step for gun control in the United States?

Ban all assault rifles and expand background checks.

Create a licensing system like we have for vehicles and trucks.

Come to a compromise that both parties can agree on.

Implore Congress to pass new laws; if not, the president should use an executive order.

President Trump is a political newcomer, something his critics point out often. How important is experience when it comes to running the country?

Extremely important; the president needs to have a lot of experience.

It's not as important as policy ideas.

The president should be someone who has been around a while.

Some experience matters, but it doesn't have to be a ton.

Do you agree with some of the candidates who plan on breaking up big tech companies like Google and Facebook?

At the very least, we should be taxing them more.

I think we should at least investigate the possibility.

No, we live in a capitalist free market.

Yes, it's an important plan.

What should be the future of America's health care system?

We should start transitioning to a government-care system immediately.

We need to allow both private plans and Medicare for All.

I support Medicare for All.

I think we should focus on improving Obamacare.

How important is it to switch away from fossil fuels and move toward clean energy in the coming years?

Somewhat important

It's critical for our survival.

We need to develop technology to facilitate alternate energy sources.

It's one of the main things we need to be doing after the election.

Foreign policy is an important element of any presidency. How much does skill at foreign negotiations matter to you?

It's better if the new president already has relationships with foreign leaders.

It's not the most important skill, but it matters.

It is one of the most important skills for a president.

I'm more concerned about domestic policy and the law.

What is the ideal stance on foreign intervention, in your opinion?

We should keep all options on the table..

We need to help impoverished people in other countries.

It's important, but fixing America's economy matters more.

We should be a global leader when it comes to world affairs.

What do you think is currently the biggest threat to U.S. security?

Donald Trump

Big corporations

Economic inequity

Lack of bipartisanship

Which coalition of voters is most important for the Democrats to succeed if they want to win in 2020?

Blue-collar, working class

Young millennials

Middle and low-income people

Women and minorities

How do you feel about opening up protected national parks to harvest oil and other energy?

We have to at least consider it.

It's not a good idea.

I think we should focus on technology and the economy to develop more resources.

It's not something we should do.

What would your president serve a championship sports team at the White House?

A home-cooked, Midwest-style meal

The best quality food I could find

Whatever they wanted to eat

Soul food

What do you think about net neutrality?

We need to maintain it at all costs.

It's yet another reason we need to rein in big corporations.

I don't think it's that big of a deal.

It's a serious threat to the future of technology.

How important do you think mental health treatment is?

It's something we should start exploring.

We should already be incorporating it into medical treatment.

It should be offered for free as a part of universal health care.

It's particularly important for kids.

What should be done to improve the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)?

We should relax outdated drug laws to allow the VA to provide better treatment.

Veterans should also receive universal health care.

We should pass laws giving extra funding to the VA.

Strengthening our military will help the VA also.

What do you think should be done to improve the military?

Military investment is important, but we also need to strengthen other domestic programs to make the military more effective.

Giving aid to other countries will help reduce our need for military strength.

We need to continue investing money into the military.

Provide them with a steady income when they return from service.

What should be done about the student loan debt situation in America?

Improving the economy will make the situation better.

We should forgive all student loan debt.

Government subsidies will help offset the debt crisis.

We need to offer all students a path for loan forgiveness.

What do you think should be done to help solve racial issues in America?

Passing laws to tighten the monitoring of law enforcement

Improving the economic situations of minority communities

We should look at reparations.

Compromising with the GOP to pass more criminal justice reform

What is your opinion about U.S. involvement in the war in Syria?

It's difficult but necessary to stay in the Middle East.

We need to stop sending equipment and money immediately.

We should focus more on our domestic economy.

We should get out of Syria, but carefully so that it doesn't cause more problems.

What do you think about the private prison system in America?

It could be changed, but I don't think it's that pressing of an issue.

We need to get rid of it ASAP.

Improving the economy will improve the prison system.

We need to take steps away from it.

How do you view the group Black Lives Matter?

Their intentions are good, but they are more disruptive than helpful.

They should be respected and listened to by all politicians.

They are an important political faction.

I think they are a significant presence, but not sure how much they will actually matter at election time.

Which of these is the ideal career to help someone prepare for being president?

Vice President

Professor

Senator

Prosecutor

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